JTI: Introducing No-Name Cigarette Packaging Minimizes Competition

Source from:  Packaging Europe 12/18/2008

JTI cigarette producer considers as "extreme and unjustified" the generic cigarette packaging proposition, which provides for a standardized aspect for all brands and results in smaller brand visibility. JTI claims as well that the measure minimizes competition. "With regard to plain packaging, which would mean a standard aspect for all cigarette packaging on the market, keeping just the brand's name, JTI considers the proposal extreme and unjustified" Gilda Laz?r, Corporate Affairs JTI Romania, declared. The proposition of introducing plain cigarette packaging was discussed during the Durban Conference in South Africa, which had as theme the developing of some articles within the Framework Convention for the Tobacco Control (FCTC). The JTI representative sustains that no matter the product, the packaging remains fundamental for the consumer's choice on a competitive market, especially when other communication channels with the client are limited by law. "The brands are registered trademarks and therefore they constitute intellectual property. The Romanian Constitution proclaims the sacredness of the private property, as well as the market liberty, the equal treatment of economic agents, the protection of loyal competition and the creation of a favorable context in order to value all production factors". The JTI Official also stated that besides the breaking of these fundamental rights, the plain packaging would create confusion, would minimize competition, would stimulate and facilitate counterfeit and contraband (in the absence of identification and safety elements). Enditem